Published on Sat Jan 29 2022 14:39:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Anycubic Kobra Ultra: A Deep Dive into This Budget-Friendly 3D Printer

The Anycubic Kobra Ultra has been making waves in the budget 3D printer market, promising a blend of user-friendliness and decent performance at an attractive price point. This article provides a comprehensive look at the Kobra Ultra, from its specifications to practical usage tips, helping you decide if it’s the right printer for your needs.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Kobra Ultra arrives partially assembled, which simplifies the initial setup process. The packaging is well-organized, and includes all the necessary tools and accessories to get you started.

Key Components Included:

• Pre-assembled base and gantry
• Print head assembly
• Print bed
• Spool holder
• Tools (wrenches, hex keys, scraper)
• Sample filament
• USB drive with user manual and slicing software
• Power cable

The initial impression is one of reasonable build quality for the price. The frame feels sturdy enough, and the components appear well-manufactured.

Detailed Specifications

Understanding the technical specifications is crucial before committing to any 3D printer. Here’s a breakdown of the Kobra Ultra’s key features:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard)
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 - 0.3 mm (50 - 300 microns)
• Print Speed: 20-100 mm/s (recommended) - Can go up to 180mms
• Heated Bed Temperature: Up to 110°C
• Nozzle Temperature: Up to 260°C
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Supported Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Leveling: Automatic Leveling (LeviQ 2.0)
• Connectivity: USB, SD card
• Display: 4.3-inch LCD Touchscreen
• Power Supply: 350W
• Frame Material: Aluminum Extrusion
• Machine Dimensions: 435mm(L)×360mm(W)×490mm(H)
• Machine Weight: 7.4 kg

Setting Up the Kobra Ultra

Setting up the Kobra Ultra is a relatively straightforward process, especially compared to printers that require complete assembly.

1. Attach the Gantry: Secure the gantry to the base using the provided screws.
2. Connect Cables: Connect the necessary cables (motors, limit switches, thermistors) according to the manual. Ensure all connections are firm.
3. Install the Spool Holder: Attach the spool holder to the frame.
4. Leveling: Run the auto-leveling process (LeviQ 2.0). Follow the on-screen prompts on the touchscreen.
5. Load Filament: Load the filament into the extruder. Pre-heat the nozzle and purge the old filament.

Usage Tips and Best Practices

To get the most out of your Kobra Ultra, consider the following tips:

• Fine-tune the Auto-Leveling: While the auto-leveling is a great feature, it’s worth checking the bed manually with a piece of paper. Minor adjustments can improve first-layer adhesion.

• Filament Drying: If you encounter issues with filament adhesion or print quality, especially with materials like PETG or TPU, consider drying the filament. Moisture absorption can significantly impact print performance. A filament dryer is a good investment.

• Temperature Adjustments: Experiment with different nozzle and bed temperatures for each filament type. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations as a starting point, but adjust based on your specific environment and printer settings.

• Adhesion Solutions: For problematic filaments, use adhesion solutions like glue stick, hairspray, or specialized bed adhesive.

• Slicing Software Settings: Pay close attention to slicing software settings. Infill density, layer height, and support structures can greatly affect print quality and material usage.

• Regular Maintenance: Keep the nozzle clean, lubricate moving parts, and check for loose screws periodically.

• First Layer Speed: Reduce first layer print speed for optimal adhesion and accuracy.

• Enclosure (Optional): An enclosure can improve temperature consistency and reduce warping, especially when printing with ABS.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

Like any 3D printer, the Kobra Ultra can experience issues. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:

• Poor Bed Adhesion:

  • Re-level the bed.
  • Clean the print bed with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Use a bed adhesive.
  • Increase the bed temperature.
  • Reduce the first layer print speed.

• Nozzle Clogging:

  • Perform a cold pull.
  • Clean the nozzle with an acupuncture needle.
  • Replace the nozzle.
  • Ensure proper cooling and retract distance

• Warping:

  • Use a heated bed (essential for ABS).
  • Use an enclosure.
  • Increase bed temperature.
  • Adjust cooling fan settings.

• Layer Shifting:

  • Tighten belts and pulleys.
  • Reduce print speed.
  • Ensure the printer is on a stable surface.
  • Check that the stepper motor drivers are properly configured.

• Extruder Skipping:

  • Check for clogs in the nozzle or hotend.
  • Increase nozzle temperature.
  • Adjust the extruder tension.
  • Ensure the filament is feeding smoothly.

• LeviQ Issues:

  • Clean the sensor tip.
  • Re-run the leveling.
  • Ensure a clean print surface

Ratings:

• Print Quality: 7.5/10
• Build Volume: 7/10
• Printing Speed: 7.5/10
• Material Compatibility: 8/10
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10
• Reliability: 7/10
• Ease of Use: 9/10
• Firmware and Software: 7/10
• Connectivity Options: 6/10
• Build Quality & Durability: 7/10
• Noise Level: 7/10
• Maintenance Requirements: 8/10
• Customer Support: 6/10
• Upgradeability: 6/10
• Price to Performance Ratio: 9/10

Average Score: 7.33/10

Conclusion

The Anycubic Kobra Ultra is a compelling option for beginners and those looking for an affordable 3D printer with a decent build volume and automatic leveling. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, its ease of use and reasonable performance make it a solid choice for hobbyists and makers on a budget. With proper setup, maintenance, and a little bit of experimentation, the Kobra Ultra can deliver impressive results.

Written by Alex